555560 - Second Language Teaching (MA)
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Application Deadline
Priority: February 1
Fall: March 1
Contact Information
3086 JFSB
+18014221201
slatma@byu.edu
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Required Tests
TOEFL for international students (TOEFL iBT score of 90 with a minimum score of 24 in speaking and 22 in listening, reading and writing).
ACTFL OPI (Non-native speaker of the language of emphasis must demonstrate target-language proficiency by taking the ACTFL OPI and receiving an OPI rating of ADVANCED LOW or Intermediate High for the languages of Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Korean).
Additional Requirements
Statement of intent.
Three letters of recommendation.
Resume.
Scholarly writing sample in English (10-20 pages).
Successful completion of a language-teaching methodology course prior to the start of the graduate program. (This course can be taken concurrently during first semester if required as a stipulation to admittance in the program).
Apply here
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
The M.A. in Second Language Teaching (SLaT) at Brigham Young University prepares students to become theoretically informed, pedagogically skilled, and ethically grounded professionals in the field of language teaching. The program integrates rigorous academic study with practical teaching experience to develop graduates who can effectively teach languages, conduct research, and contribute to multilingual and multicultural communities in a global context.
Grounded in current theory and empirical research in second language acquisition and language pedagogy, the program equips students to analyze language learning processes, design effective instructional practices, and assess learner outcomes using evidence-based approaches. Through coursework, supervised teaching, and research engagement, students develop advanced competencies in language pedagogy, curriculum design, and assessment literacy.
The SLaT MA program also promotes intellectually rigorous inquiry, ethical and reflective teaching, respect for linguistic and cultural diversity, and a commitment to lifelong learning and service.
Requirements for degreeCredit hours (33 credits):
Required core courses (12 credits):
SLaT elective courses (9 credits):
Additional elective courses (6 credits):
3 credits of a graduate-level language, linguistics, or literature course of the language of emphasis
3 credits of a graduate-level language-specific course or an additional graduate-level pedagogy course from the required core courses listed above
Examinations:
(A) Written comprehensive exam covering student's coursework and reading list. (Students are required to take this exam during the fourth semester of study)
(B) Oral defense of thesis or project
Optional 3rd Year Teaching Licensure Track
Application Criteria:
Students interested in completing the 3rd year licensure track need to apply and be accepted before beginning this optional licensure.
Prospective students should apply to be admitted to the third-year licensure program before the fourth semester of the second year. This acceptance will be contingent upon the completion of the M.A. requirements, including the thesis.
Students had to pass stringent test requirements (ACTFL OPI, TOEFL, etc.) to be admitted into the M.A. programs. In addition, students who are accepted into the 3rd year licensure program must pass a Teacher Candidate Assessment (TCA) content exam in the language of specialization.
Students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and may not have any C grades (classes can be repeated).
Students should submit 1 letter of recommendation.
Proposed Third Year Licensure Track Classes Offered through the McKay School of Education (11 credits):
SLaT/Spanish/Portuguese MA students who choose to do the third-year licensure track will join with BYU education students to take the following classes.
course- Educating Students with Disabilities in Secondary Classrooms (2 credits)
course - Multicultural Education for Secondary Education (3 credits)
course - Adolescent Development and Classroom Management (3 credits)
course, course - Integrating K-12 Educational Technology 1, 2 (2 credits)
course - Teaching in K-12 Online and Blended Learning Contexts (1 credit)
Additional Field Experience Classes (17 credits):
The 3rd-year licensure track students will join other teaching practicums and student teaching courses (below). These students will have a cohort and meet weekly to develop lesson plans, discuss teaching experiences, refine teaching skills, and engage in professional development and reflection. A BYU professor skilled in target language pedagogy will serve as the university supervisor that completes the observations and evaluations required for licensure. All students will be expected to pass the Teacher Candidate Assessment (TCA), which is an online portfolio that measures teacher candidates’ abilities and readiness to teach.
Exploration of Foreign Language Teaching (4 credits): course
Practicum in Language Teaching (1credit): course or an approved 380 course in target language
Student teaching (12 credits): course or an approved 476 course in target language
